Biogas seen as alternative fuel for vehicles in Ostrobothnia

Environmentally friendly fuel already being produced from area waste

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Proposals have been put forward in the Ostrobothnia region along Finland’s west coast to promote the use of biogas as fuel for cars. “It is an environmentally friendly, domestic, and low-cost fuel”, says Pekka Peura of the Vaasa Energy Institute.
     The aim is to start selling biogas to cars in the Vaasa and Seinäjoki areas.
     The first year of a three-year study is now underway. A final decision on whether or not to start selling biogas at filling stations will be made later.
     Among those financing the study are the City of Vaasa, the Municipality of Laihia, and the Seinäjoki Economic Development Centre.
     The study is being conducted by the Vaasa Energy Institute.
     
Large amounts of biogas are being produced in the region. For instance, in Mustasaari, which is located next to Vaasa, it is produced at the Stormossen plant from waste that is brought in from around the Vaasa area.
     Currently, the gas that is produced is used for producing heat and electricity.
     However, widespread use as a motor fuel would require the existence of vehicles that use it. The aim would be for municipalities and companies in the region to commit themselves to buy the fuel.
     
Pekka Peura says that the biogas energy equivalent of a litre of petrol would cost EUR 85 cents, or slightly over half of what ordinary petrol costs.
     “With a pump price of 85 cents, the investment would pay for itself in four years. This would be good business. In addition, replacing oil with biogas would reduce emissions.”
     
Various types of gas-burning vehicles are on the market, which allow the use of both gas and petrol.
     A gas-powered car might cost a few thousand euros more than an ordinary petrol car. It is also possible to install a gas system in an ordinary car for a few thousand euros.
     Before biogas is pumped into a car, it needs to be refined into methane, which is the same substance as the natural gas currently on sale.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Eco-cars still a fairly rare sight on Finnish roads (14.6.2005)

Links:
  Vaasa Energy Institute

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